The player’s agent then commented that negotiations between the two clubs are currently off and reports today intimate that the 25-year-old centre-back could now recommit to the Sardinians.

TuttoCagliari report that he is now prepared to turn down any possible return offer from Spartak, in favour of signing a new deal with Cagliari, which has been on the table since the start of the summer.

However, fellow centre-back Canini is looking more likely to leave, with Palermo, Genoa and Torino all said to be in the hunt to secure his signature.

The Rosanero in particular are thought to be keen on the defender to replace Matias Silvestre, who last week confirmed a move to Inter.